Appraise
Despite “undisputed political responsibility” – the Ministry of Transport is not suing Scheuer for car tolls
He is responsible for 243 million euros in damages to taxpayers – but former Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU) will not be held liable for the botched car toll
© Sina Schuldt / DPA
The car toll was a prestige project of the CSU in the federal government and failed spectacularly. The state was left with a bill worth millions – the minister at the time is now not threatened with a lawsuit because of this.
The Federal Ministry of Transport is going because of the follow-up costs of the failed Car toll does not take legal action against the former department head Andreas Scheuer (CSU). As the ministry announced on Thursdayit follows a report that ultimately advises against filing a lawsuit because of possible liability claims.
Car toll: “Retired Federal Minister Scheuer’s undisputed political responsibility”
The independent experts came to the conclusion that liability arising from an official relationship under public law could be considered, the ministry explained. At the same time, however, they pointed out “the very significant litigation risk and the reasonable doubts about the enforceability of possible claims.” The ministry is following the recommendation to prevent further damage to taxpayers. At the same time, it emphasized: “Regardless of this, the undisputed political responsibility of former Federal Minister Scheuer remains.”
Taxpayers’ Association
Car tolls, “solar flowers”, empty parking spaces – this is how tax money is wasted in your state
The car toll – a prestige project of the CSU in the then federal government – was stopped as illegal by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in 2019. At that time Scheuer was Minister of Transport. As a result, the federal government had to pay 243 million euros in damages to the intended operators. This resulted from an agreement after arbitration proceedings.
Today’s Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) commissioned the report in July 2023 to check whether liability claims against his predecessor Scheuer exist and can be enforced in court.